St. George, Utah – Marilyn Stephenson Waddoups, 78, passed away peacefully and gratefully returned to her loving Heavenly Father on July 27, 2023. She was born February 19, 1945, in Salt Lake City, Utah to William and Marion Fratello Stephenson.

Throughout her life, Marilyn's love for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and interest of learning and teaching what she learned with those around her had a great impact on all who knew her. Marilyn graduated from Olympus High School and the LDS Seminary and then went on to the University of Utah where she was active in Institute and LDSSA and majored in Elementary Education and minored in Math. During her last quarter at the University of Utah, the first computer registration mistakenly put her in a ballroom dancing class where she met Milo Waddoups. After enthusiastically dating for a year, they were married for time and all eternity in the Logan Temple on June 14, 1968.

She was dedicated to her LDS Wards and had many enduring friendships as she and her family moved around the United States. Upon graduating from the University of Utah her path of service and love began. Marilyn taught 4th grade for two years in Salt Lake City, 6th grade for twelve years in Iowa City, IA and Adult Education math for four years in Mount Pleasant, MI. She had the reputation of being especially skilled with students who were struggling. Marilyn took university classes in Accounting in Johnson City, TN, sat for the CPA exam and worked in bookkeeping.

After leaving their Utah home, a total of 30 years passed until she and her family were finally able to move back to Utah. Marilyn and her husband, Milo have made their home in beautiful St. George for the last 24 years. Everywhere Marilyn lived she had become loved and respected by all who got to know her. Never one to tolerate idle hands, she produced beautiful, knitted clothing and made prize winning cross stitch pictures which decorated her home and the homes of loved ones. She was very active in her LDS Wards in many administrative and teaching callings in Relief Society, Young Women's and Primary. She taught early morning Seminary for five years while her children were in high school. Her last callings were as a Gospel Doctrine Teacher and bulletin editor for her ward.

She lived with diabetes for over 40 years and struggled with increasingly debilitating mobility challenges. Whether on her feet or in a wheelchair, Marilyn was a beautiful example of the fruits of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Marilyn is survived by her husband, Milo Owen; daughter, Jennifer; son, Matthew Owen; daughter-in-law, Angel; granddaughters: Kaila Marion and Amber Shay; brother, Neal Stephenson; brothers and sisters-in-law: Odette Waddoups, Shand and Janeen Waddoups, Jon and Joyce Waddoups; and many nieces and nephews. Marilyn is preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Marion Stephenson; sister, Gerry; and brother-in-law, Wally Lloyd.

Marilyn and family are very grateful to the loving staff at Zions Way Home Health and Hospice for their exceptional services. Kathy Jacques, R.N. and Rose Castillo, CNA were particularly devoted to her care.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. in the Metcalf Mortuary Chapel, 288 West St. George Blvd., St. George, Utah. Visitations will be held Monday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Tuesday, prior to services, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., both at the mortuary.

Graveside services will be Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. in the Elysian Burial Gardens, 1075 East 4580 South, Millcreek, Utah.

Marilyn Waddoups Funeral Service Program